Frame and suspension assembly for a vehicle and vehicle having same

ABSTRACT

A frame and suspension assembly for a vehicle can include a pair of frame members configured to support a load input thereto, a final drive structure connected to each of the frame members such that the final drive assembly is configured to input a load to the frame members, and a stabilizer bar mounted to each of the frame members and extending in a traverse direction of the vehicle over a top of the final drive structure.

BACKGROUND

The disclosed subject matter relates to a vehicle and frame andsuspension assembly for the vehicle. More particularly, the disclosedsubject matter relates to methods and apparatus for mounting astabilizer bar to a frame assembly and to a suspension assembly.

Vehicles, such as but not limited to all-terrain vehicles, can include agenerally long-travel suspension assembly for each wheel that isdesigned to allow each wheel to move over relative large undulationsand/or objects such that each suspension assembly can absorb some or allof the respective wheel displacement without transmitting the wheeldisplacement to the frame assembly or body assembly of the vehicleduring travel over the uneven terrain. However, a long-travel suspensionassembly can permit the frame assembly or body assembly of the vehicleto rotate about a longitudinal axis (also referred to as a roll axis) ofthe vehicle as the vehicle travels along a curved path. This rotation ofthe vehicle frame or body can be referred to as body roll. An operatorand/or passenger(s) of the vehicle can negatively perceive the body rolldepending on its severity. Further, an excessive amount of body roll,whether or not it is negatively perceived, may shift a portion of thevehicle's weight to the outside wheels (relative to the curve of thetravel path) as the vehicle travels along a curved path. This excessiveamount of body roll can reduce the traction available to one or more ofthe inside wheels (relative to the curve of the travel path).

The spring and/or damper of the suspension assembly at each of the fourcorners of the vehicle can be tuned to permit only a predeterminedamount of body roll as a vehicle travels along a curved path. However,if the springs and/or dampers are tuned to provide a relative stiffsuspension, then the suspension assembly's ability to absorb wheeldisplacement can be reduced; thus, more of the wheel displacement can betransmitted to the frame assembly or body of the vehicle than may bedesirable. Conversely, if the springs and/or dampers are tuned toprovided a relative soft or compliant suspension in order to absorb anadvantageous amount of wheel displacement, then the body roll may morelikely to be negatively perceived and/or reduce the amount of tractionavailable to the inside wheels.

For example, when the vehicle travels along a right-hand curved path,the vehicle's frame assembly or body assembly will roll toward the leftside suspension assemblies and away from the right side suspensionassemblies. That is, the left-side suspension assemblies move in adirection relative to the frame assembly or the body assembly that isopposite to the direction in which the right-side suspension assembliesmove.

As a countermeasure for reducing body roll while providing a soft orcompliant suspension than can absorb an advantageous amount of wheeldisplacement, a stabilizer bar can be connected to the suspensionassemblies on opposites sides at the same end of the vehicle. Thestabilizer bar (also referred to as an anti-roll bar, or an anti-swaybar) is a relatively rigid member that is resistant to a torsional inputcaused by body roll while also being compliant to a torsional inputcaused by wheel displacement by uneven terrain.

For example, if the left-side suspension assembly moves in a directionthat is opposite to the direction in which the right-side suspensionassembly moves, then a torsional load is input to the stabilizer bar.The stabilizer bar can be tuned to absorb or resist this torsional inputsuch that the relatively opposite movements of the left-side andright-side suspensions assemblies can be reduced or resisted, therebyreducing or resisting an amount of body roll during cornering.

Further, one or more bearings can be used to mount the stabilizer bar ona rigid portion of the vehicle, such as but not limited to the frameassembly or a rigid portion of the body assembly. The bearing(s) permitsthe stabilizer bar to rotate within the bearing(s) so that thestabilizer bar does not reduce or resist movement of the left-side andright-side suspension assemblies in the same direction.

SUMMARY

Some embodiments are directed to a frame and suspension assembly for avehicle can include a pair of frame members configured to support a loadinput thereto, a final drive structure connected to each of the framemembers such that the final drive assembly is configured to input a loadto the frame members, and a stabilizer bar mounted to each of the framemembers and extending in a traverse direction of the vehicle over a topof the final drive structure.

Some embodiments are directed to a vehicle that can include a frameassembly, a final drive structure, a pair of suspension members, and astabilizer bar. The frame assembly can include a pair of first lowerframe members, a second lower frame member, a pair of first upper framemembers, and a pair of second upper frame members. The first lower framemembers can extend in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Thesecond lower frame member can extend in a transverse direction of thevehicle from one of the first lower frame members to a different one ofthe lower frame members. The first upper frame members can extend in thelongitudinal direction of the vehicle and can be spaced away from andabove the first lower frame members in a vertical direction of thevehicle. Each of the second upper frame members can be connected to arespective one of the first frame members. Each of the second upperframe members can extend upwardly away from a respective one of thefirst upper frame members along the vertical direction of the vehicle.The final drive structure can be mounted to the second lower framemember and connected to each of the first upper frame members. Thesuspension members can be connected to the frame assembly. Thestabilizer bar can be mounted to each of the first upper frame membersand the second upper frame members. The stabilizer bar can extendtransversely over the top of the final drive structure. The stabilizerbar can be connected to each of the suspension members.

Some embodiments are directed an all-terrain vehicle that can include aframe assembly, a final drive assembly, and a stabilizer bar. The frameassembly can include a main frame assembly that defines a passengercompartment, a front frame assembly connected to a front end of the mainframe assembly, and a rear frame assembly connected to a rear end of themain frame assembly such that the main frame assembly is located betweenthe front frame assembly and the rear frame assembly. The rear frameassembly can include a pair of frame members connected to the main frameassembly such that the frame members are spaced apart from each other inthe transverse direction of the vehicle. The final drive assembly can bemounted on the rear frame assembly, connected to each of the framemembers, and configured to be driven by a power source. The stabilizerbar can be connected to each of the frame members and can extend in thetraverse direction of the vehicle over a top of the final driveassembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosed subject matter of the present application will now bedescribed in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments of theapparatus and method, given by way of example, and with reference to theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle made in accordance withprinciples of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 2 is perspective upper front view of a frame assembly of thevehicle of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is perspective lower rear view of a portion of the frame assemblyof FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a top view of a rear portion of the frame and suspensionassembly of the vehicle of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a perspective upper view of a rear portion of the frame andsuspension assembly of the vehicle of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a rear portion of the frame and suspensionassembly of the vehicle of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a top view of a rear portion of the frame and suspensionassembly of the vehicle of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the frame and suspension assembly ofFIG. 7 taken along line 8-8.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an enlarged portion of the frame andsuspension assembly of FIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

A few inventive aspects of the disclosed embodiments are explained indetail below with reference to the various figures. Exemplaryembodiments are described to illustrate the disclosed subject matter,not to limit its scope, which is defined by the claims. Those ofordinary skill in the art will recognize a number of equivalentvariations of the various features provided in the description thatfollows.

I. Overall Vehicle

Various vehicular design factors may make it challenging to package astabilizer bar into a predetermined space on the vehicle, while alsofacilitating assembly of the stabilizer bar onto the vehicle. Thestabilizer bar needs to span an area of the vehicle that extends betweenthe left-side suspension assembly and the right-side suspensionassembly. Further, the stabilizer bar can transmit relatively high loadsto any adjacent part(s), and can require a relatively large area orvolume for movement. These and other factor(s) can be taken into accountin design of the stabilizer bar, while also considering a suitablelocation on the vehicle where it is possible to provide an advantageousamount of torsional resistance to opposite direction movement of theleft-side and right-side suspension assemblies.

It may therefore be beneficial to provide a vehicle and a frame andsuspension assembly for the vehicle with an apparatus that addresses atleast one of the above and/or other challenges of related art vehicles.In particular, it may be beneficial to mount the stabilizer bar on aportion of the vehicle that is normally exposed or easily exposed inorder to facilitate installation, maintenance and replacement of thestabilizer bar. Further, it may be beneficial to locate the stabilizerbar on a portion of the vehicle that does not interfere of otherwisecomplicate installation of further component(s), assembly(ies), and/orsystem(s) of the vehicle.

For vehicles that are primarily intended for use on an unimproved pathor an unmarked path, it may be beneficial to mount the stabilizer bar ona location of the vehicle such that the stabilizer bar does not reduceor otherwise adversely affect the ground clearance of the vehicle.Further, it may be beneficial to mount the stabilizer bar on a locationof the vehicle that reduces or prevent contact of the stabilizer barwith the terrain or other objects as the vehicle travels along theunimproved path or the unmarked path. Further, it may be beneficial tolocate a stabilizer bar at a position that either transmits or avoidstransmission of torque or force to/through various known components ofthe vehicle.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary vehicle 10 including frameassembly 18 in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. The vehicle10 shown in FIG. 1 is specialized for use on an unimproved path or on anunmarked path, and can be referred to as a multipurpose utility vehicle(MUV) or as a side-by-side all-terrain vehicle (SxS, or SxS ATV).

However, the disclosed vehicle frame assembly can be used with anyvehicle that is configured for travel along any one or combination ofimproved, unimproved, and unmarked paths. For example, embodiments areintended to include or otherwise cover any type of automobile, includinga passenger car, minivan, truck, other types of all-terrain vehicle(ATV), semi-tractor, off-highway vehicle, etc.

The vehicle 10 can include a body 12, a pair of front wheels, 14L, 14R,a pair of rear wheels 16L, 16R, a frame assembly 18, a pair of doorassemblies 20L, 20R, and a powertrain. Portions of the frame assembly 18are hidden from view in FIG. 1 by the body 12 (but are shown in FIG. 2),and the powertrain is omitted from FIGS. 1 and 2 for simplicity andclarity of the drawings.

The vehicle 10 can include a pair of front seats 22L, 22R mounted in apassenger area of the vehicle 10. The frame assembly 18 can include aroll cage 28 configured to extend around and above the seats 22L, 22Rand the passenger area. The roll cage 28 can cooperate with the body 12and/or at least a portion of the frame assembly 18 to define a pair ofdoor openings through which a passenger may pass in order to enter orexit the passenger area.

The door assemblies 20L, 20R, which occupy the door openings, each caninclude a door 24 and a window panel assembly 26, and can be configuredto selectively open and close access through the door openings by movingbetween a closed position and a fully opened position. (The door 24 ofthe right-side door assembly 20R is obscured from view in FIG. 1). Inthe closed position, the door assemblies 20L, 20R, can span therespective door openings to obstruct access to the passenger area viathe door openings. In the closed position, the front portion of eachdoor assembly 20L, 20R can be latched to the roll cage 28. The fullyopened position can be any position where the door assemblies 20L, 20Rare pivoted away from the respective door openings to providesubstantially unobstructed access to the passenger area via the dooropenings. FIG. 1 shows the door assemblies 20L, 20R in the closedposition.

The powertrain can include an internal combustion engine, one or moreelectric motor(s) or a hybrid of an internal combustion engine and oneor more electric motor(s), a hydrogen engine, or other knownengine/motor. The powertrain can have the engine/motor output axisoriented in the longitudinal direction L or in the traverse direction Tof the vehicle 10. The powertrain can be configured to drive only thefront wheels 14L, 14R, or configured to drive only the rear wheels 16L,16R, or configured to drive all of the wheels 14L, 14R, 16L, 16R, orconfigured to drive the rear wheels 16L, 16R and selectively drive thefront wheels 14L, 14R, or configured to drive the front wheels 14L, 14and selectively drive the rear wheels 16L, 16R. In the exemplaryembodiment of FIG. 1, the powertrain is configured as a longitudinallyoriented, rear-mounted internal combustion engine that drives the rearwheels 16L, 16R and selectively drives the front wheels 14L, 14R.

II. Frame Assembly

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the frame assembly 18 of the vehicle 10shown in FIG. 1, with the body 12 and all other components,assembly(ies) and system(s) removed. The frame assembly 18 can beconfigured to support the body 12, door assemblies 20L, 20R, seats 22L,22R, suspension components for the wheels 14L, 14R, 16L, 16R,powertrain, steering system, control pedal assemblies, passengers andcargo items. The frame assembly 18 can be configured to withstandvarious modes of operation, including operation on unimproved paths, andcan be configured to surround the passenger area.

The frame assembly 18 can include a main frame assembly 30, a frontframe assembly 32, a front bumper assembly 34 and a rear frame assembly36.

The main frame assembly 30 can define the passenger area of the vehicle10. The main frame assembly 30 can also provide an overall bendingstiffness and torsional stiffness characteristic for the vehicle 10 thatcan be advantageous for rugged terrain of an unimproved path.

The front frame assembly 32 can be connected to the front end of themain frame assembly 30. The front frame assembly 32 can be configuredwith mounting points for the front suspension components and anyappropriate components/systems, such as but not limited to portions ofthe body 12, a front final drive assembly, steering system components,engine cooling system, headlights, etc.

The front bumper assembly 34 can be connected to the front end of thefront frame assembly 32, such that the front frame assembly 32 can belocated between the front bumper assembly 34 and the main frame assembly30. The front bumper assembly 34 can extend beyond the exterior of thebody 12, or alternatively, one or more portions of the body 12 canconceal the front bumper assembly 34.

The rear frame assembly 36 can be connected to the rear end of the mainframe assembly 30 such that the passenger compartment is located betweenthe front frame assembly 32 and the rear frame assembly 36. The rearframe assembly 36 can be configured with mounting points for the rearsuspension components and any appropriate components/systems, such asbut not limited to portions of the body 12, a rear final drive assembly,taillights, etc.

The main frame assembly 30, front frame assembly 32, front bumperassembly 34 and rear frame assembly 36 can be made from any appropriatestructural element(s), such as but not limited to tubes, beams,stampings, etc., that can provide sufficient strength and rigidity for avehicle passenger area. The frame assembly 18 can be formed from asingle type of structural element, or alternatively the frame member 18can be formed from any combination of these structural elements. Thestructural elements can have any appropriate cross-sectional shape, suchas but not limited to circular, rectangular, regular polygonal,irregular polygonal, hollow, solid, variable along the length of thestructural element, etc.

The structural elements can be formed by any appropriate process, suchas but not limited to rolling, hydroforming, bending, welding,extruding, stamping, any combination of these processes, etc. Eachstructural element of the frame assembly 18 can be formed from anyappropriate material, such as but not limited to steel, aluminum,titanium, magnesium, plastic, fiber-reinforced plastic, carbon fiber,ceramic, a composite formed from any combination of these exemplarymaterials, etc. Each structural element of the frame assembly 18 can beconnected to each adjoining structural element in any appropriatemanner, such as but not limited to mechanical fasteners, welding,adhesive, any combination thereof, etc.

A. Main Frame Assembly

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the frame assembly 18 with the upperportion of the roll cage 28 removed for simplicity and clarity of thedrawing. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the main frame assembly 30 candefine the passenger area and can include the roll cage 28, a pair oflongitudinal members 38L, 38R and a plurality of lower cross members 40,42, 44, a pair of upper cross members 46, 48 and a pair of supportmembers 72L, 72R.

The longitudinal members 38L, 38R can extend in the longitudinaldirection L of the vehicle 10, from the front of the passenger area tothe rear of the passenger area. The longitudinal members 38L, 38R caneach be configured as a substantially straight, hollow beam having asubstantially rectangular cross-sectional shape.

The first through third lower cross members 40, 42, 44 can extend in thetransverse direction T of the vehicle 10, from the left longitudinalmember 38L to the right longitudinal member 38R. The first lower crossmember 40 can be slightly bent along the longitudinal direction L neareach end toward the rear of the vehicle 10. The first lower cross member40 can be a hollow tube having a substantially circular cross-sectionalshape. The second and third lower cross members 42, 44 can be configuredas a substantially straight, hollow beam having a substantiallyrectangular cross-sectional shape.

The first lower cross member 40 can be connected to each of thelongitudinal members 38L, 38R adjacent a respective front end of thelongitudinal members 38L, 38R. The second lower cross member 42 can beconnected to each of the longitudinal members 38L, 38R adjacent arespective rear end of the longitudinal members 38L, 38R. The thirdlower cross member 44 can be connected to each of the longitudinalmembers 38L, 38R at a portion of the longitudinal members 38L, 38Rintermediate the front and rear ends of the respective longitudinalmembers 38L, 38R. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2, welds canconnect the lower cross members 40, 42, 44 to the longitudinal members38L, 38R.

The first and second upper cross members 46, 48 can extend in thetransverse direction T of the vehicle 10 from the left cage sideassembly 50L to the right cage side assembly 50R. The first upper crossmember 46 can be spaced away from the second upper cross member 48. Thesecond upper cross member 48 can be connected to the cage sideassemblies 50L, 50R at a position that is higher in the verticaldirection V of the vehicle 10 than the position at which the first uppercross member 46 is connected to the side assemblies 50L, 50R.

The support members 72L, 72R can extend generally in the verticaldirection V of the vehicle 10 from the first upper cross member 46 tothe second upper cross member 48. The support member 72L, 72R can bespaced apart from each other in the transverse direction T of thevehicle 10. The support members 72L, 72R can each be configured as ahollow tube having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. Inthe exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2, welds can connect the supportmembers 72L, 72R to the upper cross members 46, 48.

The upper cross members 46, 48 and the support members 72L, 72R can beconfigured to support and secure a panel assembly (such as but notlimited to an instrument panel assembly), a steering assembly, and/or aportion of the body 12 (such as but not limited to a hood panel 13—seeFIG. 1).

The roll cage 28 can include a pair of cage side assemblies 50L, 50R, aplurality of cage cross members 52, 54, 56, 58, 60. The roll cage 28generally defines the passenger compartment.

The cage side assemblies 50L, 50R can extend in the longitudinaldirection L of the vehicle 10, from the front end of the passenger areato the rear end of the passenger area. The cage side assemblies 50L, 50Rcan define the limits of the passenger area in the transverse directionT of the vehicle 10, the longitudinal direction L of the vehicle 10 andin the vertical direction V of the vehicle 10. The cage side assemblies50L, 50R can be configured to support the door assemblies 20L, 20R andany appropriate portion(s) of the body 12, such as but not limited toflexible side panel(s) (transparent, opaque, or a combination thereof),rigid side panel(s), roof panel (rigid or flexible), flexible or rigidrear panel (transparent, opaque, or a combination thereof), etc. Thecage side assemblies 50L, 50R can be configured to resist, impede, orminimize deformation that could be caused by a load or kinetic energyinput into either or both of the cage side assemblies.

Each of the cage side assemblies 50L, 50R can be formed from anyappropriate number of structural elements, from one to any numbergreater than one. The side cage assemblies 50L, 50R can be configuredwith any shape and contour that can be advantageous to meet thestructural performance and aesthetic appeal desired for the vehicle 10.The following description will be directed toward the left cage sideassembly 50L with the understanding that the right cage side assembly50R can be a mirror image of the left cage side assembly 50L.

The left cage side assembly 50L can include a plurality of cage sidemembers 62, 64, 66, 68, 70. Each of the first through fifth cage sidemembers 62, 64, 66, 68, 70 can be configured as a hollow tube having asubstantially circular cross-section shape. The cage side members 62,64, 66, 68, 70 can be configured with any appropriate elongated shapethat can provide the desired dimensionality of the passenger area andadvantageously conform to the aesthetic appearance desired for thevehicle 10.

The first cage side member 62 can be referred to as an A-pillar. Thefirst cage side member 62 can be connected at one end to the leftlongitudinal member 38L adjacent the front end of the left longitudinalmember 38L. The first cage side member 62 can be connected to a side ofthe left longitudinal member 38L that can be opposite to the side towhich the first cross member 40 is connected. The one end of the firstcage side member 62 can be aligned in the transverse direction T withthe end of the first cross member 40 that is connected to the leftlongitudinal member 38L.

Each of the upper cross members 46, 48 can be connected to a middleportion of the first cage side member 62 of each of the cage sideassemblies 50L, 50R.

The third cage side member 66 can be referred to as a B-pillar. Thethird cage side member 66 can be connected at one end to the leftlongitudinal member 38L adjacent the rear end of the left longitudinalmember 38L. The third cage side member 66 can be connected to a side ofthe left longitudinal member 38L that can be opposite to the side towhich the second lower cross member 42 is connected. The one end of thethird cage side member 66 can be aligned in the transverse direction Twith the end of the second cross member 42 that is connected to the leftlongitudinal member 38L.

The first through fifth cage cross members 52, 54, 56, 58, 60 can extendin the transverse direction T of the vehicle 10 from the left sideassembly 50L to the right side assembly 50R. The cage cross members 52,54, 56, 58, 60 can be connected to each of the side assemblies 50L, 50Rat respective locations spaced apart along the longitudinal direction Lof the vehicle 10. The cage cross members 52, 54, 56, 58, 60 can beconfigured to maintain a predetermined spacing between the left cageside assembly 50L and the right cage side assembly 50R in the transversedirection T. The cage cross members 52, 54, 56, 58, 60 can define thelimits of the passenger area in the longitudinal direction L of thevehicle 10 and the vertical direction V of the vehicle 10. The cagecross members 52, 54, 56, 58, 60 can be configured to manage load and/orenergy inputs so that deflection of the frame assembly 18 in thevicinity of the passenger area can be controlled in an advantageouspredetermined manner. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2, the cagecross members 52, 54, 56, 58, 60 can be connected to the cage sideassemblies 50L, 50R by welding.

B. Front Frame Assembly

Referring to FIG. 2, the front frame assembly 32 can be connected to thefirst lower cross member 40 and each of the first cage side members 62of the main frame assembly 30. The front frame assembly 32 can includethe front bumper assembly 34, a pair of front lower members 74L, 74R, apair of first front members 76L, 76R, a pair of second front members78L, 78R, a pair of intermediate members 80L, 80R and a transverse frameassembly 82.

The front frame members 76L, 76R, 78L, 78R can be spaced apart from eachother in the transverse direction T of the vehicle 10 by a predetermineddistance sufficient to accommodate any component(s) and/or system(s) tobe supported by the front frame assembly 32. The front frame assembly 32can be configured to support a front suspension and wheel assembly, andother components such as but not limited to a radiator, a steering rackassembly and a front final drive assembly. The front suspension andwheel assembly can include, at least one suspension member on each sideof the front frame assembly 32, a damper and spring assembly on eachside of the front frame assembly 32, a front hub assembly on each sideof the front frame assembly 32, and the front wheels 14L, 14R.

In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2, each of the front lower framemembers 74L, 74R, the first front frame members 76L, 76R, the secondfront frame members 78L, 78R are configured as hollow metal tubes havinga substantially circular cross-section. However, any combination of thefront lower frame members 74L, 74R, the first front frame members 76L,76R and the second front frame members 78L, 78R can be have across-sectional shape that is different from a substantially circularcross-sectional shape. Further, any combination of the front lower framemembers 74L, 74R, the first front frame members 76L, 76R and the secondfront frame members 78L, 78R can be formed of a material other thanmetal, such as but not limited to carbon fiber, plastic, carbon fiberreinforced plastic, ceramic, pulp, or glass fiber reinforced plastic.

Further, the front lower frame members 74L, 74R, the first front framemembers 76L, 76R, the second front frame members 78L, 78R can be weldedto each other to form the structure described above. However,embodiments are intended to include or otherwise cover any combinationof the front lower frame members 74L, 74R, the first front frame members76L, 76R and the second front frame members 78L, 78R connected bythreaded fasteners, adhesives, a combination of brackets and threadedfasteners, rivets, or other known connective structures, materials, ormethods.

C. Front Bumper Assembly

The front frame assembly 32 can include the front bumper assembly 34.Referring to FIG. 2, the front bumper assembly 34 can be connected tothe front side of the first frame members 76L, 76R, such that the firstand second frame members 76L, 76R, 78L, 78R are located between orintermediate the front bumper assembly 34 and the main frame assembly30.

The front bumper assembly 34 can be configured to deform in apredetermined and controlled manner in response to load or kineticenergy input to the front bumper assembly 34 that exceeds apredetermined threshold.

D. Rear Frame Assembly

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the rear frame assembly 36 can include rearlower frame member 190, a first lower cross frame member 192, a secondlower cross frame member 194, a pair of bed frame members 196L, 196R, afirst bed cross member 198, a second bed cross member 200, a pair offirst rear frame members 202L, 202R, a pair of second rear frame members204L, 204R, a pair of third rear frame members 206L, 206R, a pair offourth rear frame members 208L, 208R, a pair of rear connecting framemembers 210L, 210R, a rear cross frame member 212 and rear extensionframe member 214. The first rear frame members 202L, 202R and the secondrear frame members can be referred to a first upper frame members andsecond upper frame members, respectively.

The rear lower frame member 190 can be connected to and can extend awayfrom the main frame assembly 30 in the longitudinal direction L of thevehicle 10. The rear lower frame member 190 can have two side portions190L, 190R and a cross portion 190T arranged in generally U-shapedconfiguration such that the cross portion 190T extends between the sideportions 190L 190R.

The side portions 190L, 190R can extend along the longitudinal directionL of the vehicle 10. The side portions 190L, 190R can be spaced apart inthe transverse direction T of the vehicle 10. Each of the side portions190L, 190R can be connected to the second lower cross member 42 atpositions spaced inboard of the longitudinal members 38L, 38R in thetransverse direction T of the vehicle 10. The side portions 190L 190Rcan be connected to the second lower cross member 42 in any appropriatemanner such as but not limited to welding, adhesives, mechanicalfasteners, etc. The side portions 190L, 190R can be referred to as firstlower frame members.

The cross portion 190T can extend along the transverse direction T ofthe vehicle 10. The cross portion 190T can extend from each of the sideportions 190L, 190R. In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 2-9, the crossportion 190T can have an angled portion at each end that transitionsinto the side portions 190L, 190R along short bends. The cross portion190T can be referred to as a second lower frame member.

Alternatively, each of the side portions 190L, 190R can include arespective angled portion that transitions into the cross portion 190Talong a short bend. In another alternate embodiment, the angled portionscan be omitted such that cross portion 190T transitions directly intoeach of the side portions 190L, 190R along a right angled or other shortbend.

As shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2, the lower frame member190 can be a single homogenous piece formed by bending a hollow pipe. Inaccordance with the disclosed subject matter, the lower frame member 190can be formed from a plurality of sections that are subsequentlyfastened together in any appropriate manner such as but not limited towelding, adhesives, mechanical fasteners, etc. The individual sectionscan be formed in the desired shape by any appropriate process such asbut not limited to pipe bending, casting, forging, hydroforming, etc.

The first and second lower cross frame members 192, 194 can be connectedto and/or form the rear lower frame member 190 at respective locationsthat are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction L of the vehicle 10.The first and second lower cross frame members 192, 194 can extend inthe transverse direction T of the vehicle 10 from each of the sideportions 190L, 190R. The first cross frame member 192 can be locatedbetween the second lower cross member 42 and the second lower crossframe member 194.

The rear lower frame member 190 and the lower cross frame members 192,194 can be configured to support a powertrain assembly. For example,FIGS. 5-9 show an exemplary powertrain that includes a final drivestructure 216. Further, the exemplary powertrain can include a powersource such as but not limited to an internal combustion engine (havinga single cylinder or a plurality of cylinders), an electric motor, or ahybrid system that includes an internal combustion engine and anelectric motor. FIG. 7 schematically represents a power source 218 inphantom. A transmission can be connected to and between each of thepower source 218 and the final drive structure 216. The transmission caninclude various types of transmissions including a stepped speed ratioassembly or a continuously variable speed ratio assembly. Thetransmission can be configured as an automatic transmission, a manualtransmission, or a semi-automatic transmission. As will be discussed indetail below, the power source 218 and the transmission can be connectedto the rear lower frame member 190 in any appropriate manner such as butnot limited to brackets and mechanical fasteners, welds, rivets, rubbermounting assembly(ies), fluid filled mounting assembly(ies), or anycombination thereof.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the power source 218 andthe transmission can be mounted on a left rail 191 and a right rail 193.The left rail 191 can be mounted to the left side portion 190L of therear lower frame member 190. The right rail can be mounted to each offirst lower cross member 192, the second lower cross member 194 and thecross portion 190T of the rear lower frame member 190. The right rail193 can be spaced inward away from the right side portion 190R in thetransverse direction T of the vehicle 10. One or more engine mounts canbe connected between the power source 218 and each of the rails 191,193. The transmission can be connected to one or both of the rails 191,193 by one or more mounting assemblies. However, in accordance withother embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the transmission canbe connected to the power source 218 and/or the final drive structure216 such that the power source and/or the final drive structure supportsthe transmission.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the bed frame members 196L, 196R and thefirst and second cross frame members 198, 200 can form a bed frameassembly of the vehicle 10. The body 12 can include a cargo or storagearea that is mounted on the bed frame assembly. The first rear framemembers 202L, 202R, the second rear frame members 204L, 204R, and thefourth rear frame members 208L, 208R can support the bed frame assembly.

Each of the bed frame members 196L, 196R can be connected to and canextend from a respective one of the first rear frame members 202L, 202Rand a respective one of the second rear frame members 204L, 204R. Eachof the bed frame members 196L, 196R can extend from the respective oneof the first rear frame members 202L, 202R in the longitudinal directionL of the vehicle 10. The bed frame members 196L, 196R can be spacedapart in the transverse direction T of the vehicle.

The first and second bed cross members 198, 200 can be connected to andcan extend from each of the bed frame members 196L, 196R in thetransverse direction T of the vehicle 10. The first and second bed crossmembers 198, 200 can be spaced apart from each other in the longitudinaldirection L of the vehicle 10.

The first rear frame members 202L, 202R can be configured to support aload input by the final drive structure 216 and transfer at least aportion of the load to the main frame assembly 30. The first rear framemembers 202L, 202R can be directly connected to the main frame assembly30 and the final drive structure 216. For example, the first rear framemembers 202L, 202R can be connected to the fourth cage cross member 58in any appropriate manner such as but not limited to welding, adhesives,mechanical fasteners, etc. The connection between the first rear framemembers 202L, 202R and the final drive structure 216 will be discussedin further detail below.

Referring to FIGS. 2-9, the first rear frame members 202L, 202R can bemirror images of each other. The first rear frame members 202L, 202R canextend away the main frame assembly 30 and toward the final drivestructure 216 along the longitudinal direction L of the vehicle 10. Eachof first rear frame members 202L, 202R can include a first portion 220L,220R and a second portion 222L, 222R.

Each of the first portions 220L, 220R can extend along a longitudinaldirection L of the vehicle 10. Referring to FIG. 9, each of the firstportions 220L, 220R can extend from the second portion 222L, 222R andcan terminate at a first end 224L, 224R. The first rear frame members202L, 202R can be spaced apart in the transverse direction T of thevehicle 10 such that the first ends 224L, 224R of the first rear framemembers 202L, 202R are spaced apart by a first distance.

Referring to FIGS. 2-9, each of the second portions 222L, 222R canextend at an angle from the first portion 220L, 220R such that thesecond portion 222L, 222R extends along the longitudinal direction L anda vertical direction V of the vehicle 10. However, the second portion222L, 222R of each of the first rear frame members 202L, 202R can extendfrom the first portion 220L, 220R of each of the first rear framemembers 202L, 202R along each of the longitudinal direction L, thevertical direction V, and the transverse direction T of the vehicle 10.Referring to FIG. 3, each of the second portions 222L, 222R canterminate at a second end 226L, 226R such that the second ends 226L,226R of the first rear frame members 202L, 202R are spaced apart in thetransverse direction T of the vehicle 10 by a second distance that isgreater than the first distance.

Referring to FIGS. 2-9, each of the second rear frame members 204L, 204Rcan be connected to a respective one of the first rear frame members202L, 202R and can extend upwardly away from the respective one of thefirst rear frame members 202L, 202R along the vertical direction V ofthe vehicle 10. Each of the second rear frame members 204L, 204R canextend along each of the longitudinal direction L, the transversedirection T and the vertical direction V of the vehicle 10 from arespective one of the first rear frame members 202L, 202R to arespective one of the bed frame members 196L, 196R.

Referring to FIGS. 2-9, each of the third rear frame members 206L, 206Rcan be connected to and can extend from the main frame assembly 30 and arespective one of the first rear frame members 202L, 202R. Each of thethird rear frame members 206L, 206R can extend along each of thelongitudinal direction L, the transverse direction T and the verticaldirection V of the vehicle 10. Each of the third rear frame members206L, 206R can be connected to a respective one of the second portions222L, 222R of the first rear frame members 202L, 202R. For example, eachof the third rear frame members 206L, 206R can be connected to arespective one of the second portions 222L, 222R at a location that iscloser to the respective one of the second ends 226L, 226R than to therespective one of the first portions 220L, 220R of the first rear framemembers 202L, 202R.

Each of the fourth rear frame members 208L, 208R can be connected to andextend from a respective one of the first rear frame members 202L, 202Rand a respective one of the second frame members 204L, 204R. Each of thefourth rear frame members 208L, 208R can along each of the longitudinaldirection L, the transverse direction T and the vertical direction V ofthe vehicle 10.

The lower frame member 190 can include an extension frame member 214.The extension frame member 214 can be connected to and can extend awayfrom the cross portion 190T of the lower frame member 190. The extensionframe member 214 can have a general V-shape with the base of the generalV-shaped facing away from the cross portion 190T in the longitudinaldirection L of the vehicle 10.

Each of the rear connecting frame members 210L, 210R can be connected toand extend from the rear lower frame member 190 and a respective one ofthe first rear frame members 202L, 202R. For example, each of the rearconnecting frame members 210L, 210R can be connected to the extensionframe member 214 and a respective one of the first portions 220L, 220Rof the first rear frame members 202L, 202R.

The rear cross frame member 212 can be connected to and can extend fromeach of the first rear frame members 202L, 202R in the transversedirection T of the vehicle 10. The rear cross frame member 212 can beconnected to each of the first portions 220L, 220R of the first rearframe members 202L, 202R. Each of the rear connecting frame members210L, 210R can be connected to the rear cross frame member 212.

III. Front and Rear Suspension and Wheel Assemblies

The vehicle 10 can include a front suspension and wheel assembly and arear suspension and wheel assembly. As discussed above, the frontsuspension and wheel assembly can be connected to the front frameassembly 32. At least a portion of the rear suspension and wheelassembly can be mounted to the rear frame assembly 36.

The suspension members of the front suspension and wheel assembly can beconfigured as a double-wishbone suspension system (also referred to asupper and lower A-arms). However, the disclosed subject matter includesor otherwise covers suspension members that provide a different geometryand/or include multiple links, a strut, or other appropriate members inorder to achieve the desired suspension performance so long as at leastone of the suspension members is mounted to each side of the front frameassembly 32.

The rear suspension and wheel assembly can include the rear wheels 16L,16R, at least one suspension member for each of the rear wheels 16L,16R. In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5, the rear suspensionand wheel assembly can include a pair of first rear suspension members228L, 228R, a pair of second rear suspension members 230L, 230R, a pairof third rear suspension members 232L, 232R and a pair of fourth rearsuspension members 234L, 234R such that one of each pair is connected ona respective side of the frame assembly 18.

The rear suspension and wheel assembly are described with reference toFIGS. 4-6. FIG. 4 shows that the right side of the rear suspension andwheel assembly can be a mirror image of the left side of the rearsuspension and wheel assembly. The portion of the rear suspension andwheel assembly that is connected to the main frame assembly 30 is notshown in FIG. 4. FIG. 5 shows the left side of the rear suspension andwheel assembly, with the right side of the rear suspension and wheelassembly and the right half of the rear frame assembly 36 omitted forsimplicity and clarity of the drawing. FIG. 5 shows a left left-sideportion of the rear suspension and wheel assembly that is omitted fromFIG. 4. The portion of the rear suspension and wheel assembly that isconnected to the main frame assembly 30 is not shown in FIG. 6.

Each of the first rear suspension members 228L, 228R can be referred toas a trailing arm. Each of the first rear suspension members 228L, 228Rcan be configured as a substantially straight link that has arectangular cross-section and can be hollow or solid. The first rearsuspension members 228L, 228R can be connected to a rear end portion ofthe main frame assembly 30 and can be connected to a respective one ofthe rear wheels 16L, 16R. Referring to FIGS. 2, 3 and 5, the main frameassembly 30 can include a pair of first suspension brackets 236L, 236Rmounted to the main frame assembly 30. For example, each of the firstsuspension brackets 236L, 236R can be connected to the 2^(nd) lowercross frame member 42 and to a respective one of the longitudinalmembers 38L, 38R. Each of the first rear suspension members 228L,228Rcan be connected to a respective one of the first suspension brackets236L, 236R such that the first rear suspension members 228L, 228R canpivot relative to each of the first suspension brackets 236L, 236R, themain frame assembly 30 and the rear frame assembly 36.

Referring to FIGS. 4-6, the rear suspension and wheel assembly caninclude a pair of knuckles 238L, 238R. Each of the first rear suspensionmembers 228L, 228R can be connected to a respective one of the knuckles238L, 238R in any appropriate manner such that each knuckle 238L, 238Rmoves with a respective one of the first rear suspension members 228L,228R, and pivots relative to the respective one of the first rearsuspension members 228L, 228R.

The first suspension brackets 236L, 236R can be spaced apart from eachother in the transverse direction T of the vehicle 10 such that thefirst rear suspension members 228L,228R are spaced apart from each otherin the transverse direction T of the vehicle 10. Each of the first rearsuspension members 228L, 228R can extend from the main frame assembly 30to the respective one of the knuckles 238L, 238R along the longitudinaldirection L of the vehicle 10. Each of the first rear suspension members228L,228R can be spaced outwardly from a respective one of the sideportions 190L, 190R of the rear lower frame member 190.

Each of the second rear suspension members 230L, 230R can be referred toas a lateral link or a transverse link. Each of the second rearsuspension members 230L, 230R can be configured as a substantiallystraight rod. Each of the second rear suspension members 230L, 230R canbe hollow or solid. The second rear suspension members 230L, 230R can beconnected to each of the rear frame assembly 36 and a respective one ofthe rear wheels 16L, 16R. For example, each of the second rearsuspension members 230L, 230R can be connected to a respective one ofthe rear connecting frame members 210L, 210R in any appropriate mannerthat permits the second suspension members 230L, 230R to pivot relativeto the rear connecting frame members 210L, 210R. Each of the second rearsuspension members 230L, 230R can be connected to a respective one ofthe knuckles 238L, 238R in any appropriate manner such that each knuckle238L, 238R moves with the respective one the second rear suspensionmembers 230L, 230R, and pivots relative to the respective one of thesecond rear suspension members 230L, 230R. The second rear suspensionmembers 230L, 230R can extend along the transverse direction T of thevehicle 10.

Each of the third rear suspension members 232L, 232R can be referred toas a lateral link or a transverse link. Each of the third rearsuspension members 232L, 232R can be configured as a substantiallystraight rod and can be hollow or solid. The third rear suspensionmembers 232L, 232R can be connected to each of the rear frame assembly36 and a respective one of the rear wheels 16L, 16R. For example, eachof the third rear suspension members 232L, 232R can be connected to arespective one of the rear connecting frame members 210L, 210R in anyappropriate manner that permits the third rear suspension members 232L,232R to pivot relative to the rear connecting frame members 210L, 210R.Each of the third rear suspension members 232L, 232R can be connected toa respective one of the knuckles 238L, 238R in any appropriate mannersuch that each knuckle 238L, 238R moves with the respective one thethird rear suspension members 232L, 232R, and pivots relative to therespective one of the third rear suspension members 232L, 232R. Thethird rear suspension members 232L, 232R can extend along the transversedirection T of the vehicle 10. Each of the third rear suspension members232L, 232R can be spaced away from and above a respective one of thesecond rear suspension members 230L, 230R in the vertical direction V ofthe vehicle 10. Each of the third rear suspension members 232L, 232R canextend substantially parallel to the respective one of the second rearsuspension members 230L, 230R.

Each of the fourth suspension members 234L, 234R can be referred to asan upper A-arm, or an upper wishbone. Each of the fourth suspensionmembers 234L, 234R can be connected to teach of the main frame assembly30 the rear frame assembly 36 and a respective one of the knuckles 238L,238R. The fourth rear suspension members 234L, 234R can be connected toeach of the rear frame assembly 36 and a respective one of the rearwheels 16L, 16R.

For example, the main frame assembly 30 can include a pair of secondsuspension brackets mounted above the first suspension brackets. FIG. 5shows an exemplary second suspension bracket 240L mounted on the leftside of the main frame assembly 30 above the left-side first suspensionbracket 236L. A mirror image of the left-side second suspension bracket240L can be mounted on the right side of the main frame assembly 30above the right-side first suspension bracket 236R. Referring to FIGS.3, 5 and 6, the rear frame assembly 36 can include a pair of thirdsuspension bracket 242L, 242R. (The right-side third suspension bracket242R is omitted from FIG. 5 and obstructed from view in FIG. 6). A firstend of each of the fourth rear suspension members 234L, 234R can beconnected to a respective one of the second suspension brackets in anyappropriate manner such that the fourth rear suspension members 234L,234R can pivot relative to the main frame assembly 30. A second end ofeach of the fourth rear suspension members 234L, 234R can be connectedto a respective one the third suspension brackets 242L, 242R in anyappropriate manner such that the fourth rear suspension members 234L,234R can pivot relative to the rear frame assembly 36. A third end ofthe fourth rear suspension members 234L, 234R can be connected to arespective one of the knuckles in any appropriate manner such that eachknuckle 238L, 238R moves with a respective one the fourth rearsuspension members 234L, 234R, and pivots relative to the respective oneof the fourth rear suspension members 234L, 234R.

In another exemplary embodiment, the fourth rear suspension members234L, 234R can be omitted from the rear suspension and wheel assembly.

The rear suspension and wheel assembly can further include a stabilizerbar 262. The stabilizer bar 262 can be mounted to the rear frameassembly 36 and can be connected to each of the first rear suspensionmembers 228L, 228R, directly or indirectly. The stabilizer bar 262 (alsoreferred to as an anti-roll bar, or an anti-sway bar) can be arelatively rigid member that is configured to resist a torsional inputcaused by body roll while also being compliant to a torsional inputcaused by the displacement of one or both of the rear wheels 16L, 16R asthe vehicle 10 travels along uneven terrain. For example, if theleft-side first rear suspension member 228L moves in a direction that isopposite to the direction in which the first rear suspension member 228Rmoves, then a torsional load is input to the stabilizer bar 262. Thestabilizer bar 262 can be tuned to absorb or resist this torsional inputsuch that the relatively opposite movements of the left-side andright-side first rear suspensions members 228L, 228R can be reduced orresisted, thereby reducing or resisting an amount of body roll duringcornering. Further details of the stabilizer bar 262 and itsrelationship with other structures of the vehicle 10 will be describedin detail below.

Referring to FIGS. 5-8, the rear suspension and wheel assembly canfurther include a pair of spring and damper assemblies 268. The springand damper assemblies can be configured to lessen loads and energy inputto the frame assembly 18 by the rear wheels 16L, 16R. A first end ofeach of the spring and damper assemblies 268 can be connected to themain frame assembly 30 and second end of each of the spring and damperassemblies 268 can be connected to a respective one of the first rearsuspension members 228L, 228R.

IV. Final Drive Assembly

The vehicle 10 can include a final drive assembly that can transfertorque output by the power source 218 to each of the rear wheels 16L,16R. Referring to FIG. 5, the final drive assembly can include the finaldrive structure 216 and a pair of driveshafts 244. FIG. 5 only shows theleft-side driveshaft 244. Each of the drive shafts 244 can extend fromand be connected to final drive structure 216 and a respective one ofthe knuckle 238L, 238R such that the driveshafts 244 transmit torquefrom the final drive structure 216 to a respective one of the rearwheels 16L, 16R.

Referring to FIGS. 5-9, the final drive structure 216 can include ahousing 246. Referring to FIG. 8, the housing 246 can contain anyappropriate mechanism that can transmit torque input to the mechanism toeach of the front wheels 14L, 14R. For example, the housing 246 cancontain an input structure 250 and an output structure 252. The inputstructure 250 can be configured to receive torque from a power source218. The output structure 252 can be configured to transfer at least aportion of the torque to at least one of the rear wheels 16L, 16R. Theinput structure 250 can include an input gear, such as but not limitedto a pinion gear, driven by the power source 218. The output structure252 can be an output gear, such as but not limited to a ring gear,driven by the input gear. The output gear can drive one or each of apair of driveshafts. In another example, the output structure 252 canfurther include a differential gear assembly that couples the outputgear to each of the driveshafts such that each of the rear wheels 16L,16R can be driven at different speeds and at different percentages ofthe torque input by the power source 218. In yet another example, aplurality of friction members can be arranged such that torque input bythe power source 218 can be differentially distributed to each of thedriveshafts.

Referring to FIG. 9, the housing 246 can include a pair of openings inthe housing 246. Only the left-side opening 248 is shown in FIG. 9. Butit is to be understood that the right-side opening 248 can be identicaland located opposite to the left-side opening in the transversedirection T of the vehicle 10. The output structure 252 can extend fromthe housing 246 via each of the openings 248. Each of the driveshaftscan be connected to the output structure at a location that is adjacentto a respective one of the openings 248. For example, the outputstructure 252 can further include output splines driven by or formed inthe exemplary ring gear, and the output splines can extend into or beadjacent to each of the openings. In an alternate embodiment, the outputstructure can be fully contained in the housing 246 and the driveshafts244 can extend into the housing 246 through a respective one of theopenings 248.

Referring to FIG. 8, the final drive structure 216 can include an uppermounting structure 254 and a lower mounting structure 256 that extendaway from the housing 246 along the vertical direction V of the vehicle10. The rear frame assembly 36 can include an upper mounting bracket 258and a pair of lower mounting brackets 260. Referring to FIGS. 4 and 7-9,the upper mounting structure 254 can be connected to the upper mountingbracket 258 in any appropriate manner such as but not limited to one ormore mechanical fasteners 261. The lower mounting structure 256 can beconnected to each of the lower mounting brackets 260 in any appropriatemanner such as but not limited to one or more mechanical fasteners.

The upper mounting bracket 258 can extend from and can be connected toeach of the first rear frame members 202L, 202R. For example, the uppermounting bracket 258 can extend from and can be connected to each offirst portions of the first rear frame members 202L, 202R. In theexemplary embodiment of FIGS. 7-9, the upper mounting bracket 258 andthe third suspension brackets 242L, 242R can be integrated into a singlehomogenous bracket that can be stamped from a metal sheet.

Each of the lower mounting brackets 260 can be connected to rear lowerframe member 190 and spaced apart from each other in the transversedirection T of the vehicle 10. For example, each of the lower mountingbrackets 260 can be connected to and can extend from each of the crossportion 190T and the extension frame member 214. The lower mountingbrackets 260 can be spaced apart from each other such that the housing246 can be located between the lower mounting brackets 260.

V. Frame and Suspension Assembly

Referring to FIGS. 4-9, the vehicle 10 can include a frame andsuspension assembly. FIG. 4 is a top view of a portion the frame andsuspension assembly in which the main frame assembly 30 and the portionsof the rear frame assembly 36 and the rear suspension and wheel assemblythat are connected to main frame assembly are omitted from the view.FIG. 5 shows the left side of the rear suspension and wheel assembly,with the right side of the rear suspension and wheel assembly and theright half of the rear frame assembly 36 omitted for simplicity andclarity of the drawing. FIG. 5 shows left left-side portion of the rearsuspension and wheel assembly that is omitted from FIG. 4. The portionof the rear suspension and wheel assembly that is connected to the mainframe assembly 30 is not shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 7 is a top view of the aportion of FIG. 4 with the upper portions of the rear frame assembly cutalong line 7-7 of FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the frameand suspension assembly of FIG. 7 taken along line 8-8. FIG. 9 is aperspective view of an enlarged portion of the frame and suspensionassembly of FIG. 7.

The frame and suspension assembly can include at least a portion of therear frame assembly 36 and at least a portion of the rear suspension andwheel assembly. For example, the frame and suspension assembly caninclude the pair of first rear frame members 202L,202R, the final drivestructure 216 and the stabilizer bar 262 such that the stabilizer bar262 is mounted to each of the first front frame members 202L, 202R andextends in the traverse direction T of the vehicle 10 over the top ofthe final drive structure 216. This arrangement of the frame andsuspension assembly can provide an advantageous mounting location of thestabilizer bar 262.

By positioning the stabilizer bar 262 over the top of the final drivestructure 216, the stabilizer bar 262 can be located above the firstportions 220L, 220R of the first rear frame members 202L, 202R, and canbe located above the suspension members 228L, 228R, 2230L, 230R, 232L,232R, 234L, 234R in the vertical direction V of the vehicle 10. Thus,the stabilizer bar 262, which can span the rear frame assembly 36 in thetransverse direction T of the vehicle 10, can be easily maneuvered intoposition for initial assembly onto the vehicle and can be easilyaccessed for subsequent disassembly for repair and/or replacement.

The stabilizer bar 262 can be mounted to the vehicle from an overheadposition using a method for mounting the stabilizer bar 262 for anoff-road vehicle that includes connecting the stabilizer bar 262 via alinkage to the first rear suspension members 228L, 228R and via bushings272 to a first portion 220L, 220R of the first rear frame members 202L,202R. The stabilizer bar 262 can be mounted to frame brackets and passeslaterally across the vehicle just above the final drive 216. Thislocation for the stabilizer bar 262 can provide better stability bytaking the load generated by the final drive 216. In particular, themethod and apparatus of the disclosed subject matter includes connectingthe stabilizer bar 262 to frame members that also support (or aredirectly connected to) the final drive 216 such that torque generated atthe final drive 216 can be transmitted to the stabilizer bar 262, whichaids in disbursing this torque away from the final drive 216 and moreevenly throughout the vehicle frame.

Further, positioning the stabilizer bar 262 over the top of the finaldrive structure 216 can permit the stabilizer bar to be spaced away fromeach of the first rear suspension members 228L, 228R so that a torqueinput can be applied to the stabilizer bar 262 when the first rearsuspension members 228L, 228R pivot relative to the main frame assembly30.

The stabilizer bar 262 can include a base portion 264 and a pair of arms266. Each of the arms 266 can pivot through a volume as the respectiveone of the first rear frame members 228L, 228R pivots relative to themain frame 30. By positioning the stabilizer bar 262 over the top of thefinal drive structure 216, the arms 266 can pivot in a volume thatextends between each of the spring and damper assemblies 268 and therear end of the vehicle 10 and that extends upwardly outside of the bedframe assembly 196L, 196R, 198, 200. Thus, the arms 266 of thestabilizer bar 262 can pivot without interference by other structures ofthe vehicle 10. Further, the arms 266 can pivot within this volumewithout transferring to other structures of the vehicle 10 that areadjacent to the stabilizer bar 262 the relatively high loads and/orkinetic energy input by the wheels 16L, 16R caused by uneven terrain.

Further still, the stabilizer bar 262 can be positioned above the finaldrive structure 216 such that the stabilizer bar 262 does not obstructaccess to the threaded fasteners 261 that connect the final drivestructure 216 to the upper mounting bracket 258. Thus, positioning thestabilizer bar 262 to extend over the top of the final drive assembly216 can provide ease of installation and removal of the final drivestructure 216 to/from the rear frame assembly 36.

Since the stabilizer bar 262 is mounted above the first rear suspensionmembers 228L, 228R, a pair of connecting links 280L, 280R can connect arespective one of the arms 266 of the stabilizer bar 262 to a respectiveone of the first rear suspension members 228L, 228R. Each of theconnecting links 280L, 280R can be pivotally connected to a respectiveone of the arms 266 and to a respective one of the first rear suspensionmembers 228L, 228R in any appropriate manner such as but not limited toball joints, threaded fasteners, rubber bushings, or any combinationthereof. However, the disclosed subject includes a direct connectionbetween the arms 266 and a respective one of the first rear suspensionmembers 228L, 228R, and includes a plurality of links that can connecteach of the arms 266 to a respective one the first rear suspensionmembers 228L, 228R.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 9, the frame and suspension assembly canfurther include a pair of stabilizer mounting brackets 270L, 270R. Thestabilizer mounting brackets 270L, 270R can be a mirror image of eachother. Each of the stabilizer mounting brackets 270L, 270R can beconnected to a respective one of the first rear frame members 202L, 202Rand a respective one of the second rear frame members 204L, 204R. Forexample, each of the stabilizer mounting brackets 270L, 270R can beconnected to a respective one of the first rear frame members 202L, 202Rand a respective one of the second rear frame members 204L, 204R at alocation that is spaced above the first portions 220L, 220R of the firstrear frame members 202L, 202R. Each of the stabilizer mounting brackets270L, 270R can be connected to the respective one of the first rearframe members 202L, 202R and the respective one of the second rear framemembers 204L, 204R in any appropriate manner such as but not limited towelds, adhesives, mechanical fasteners, or any combination thereof.

The stabilizer bar 262 can be mounted on each of the stabilizer mountingbrackets 270L, 270R in any appropriate manner such that the base portion264 of the stabilizer bar 262 can rotate relative to each of thestabilizer mounting brackets 270L, 270R. For example, a pair of bushings272 can be mounted on the base portion 264 such that the base portion isfree to rotate within each of the bushings 272. Each of the bushings 272can be mounted to a respective one of the stabilizer mounting brackets270L, 270R.

The specific location of the stabilizer bar 262 relative to the finaldrive 216 can be characterized in that the stabilizer bar 262 is locatedvertically above the final drive 216 such that a vertical axis thatpasses through a center of the stabilizer bar 262 (along a central axisof the stabilizer bar 262) intersects the final drive 216. The FIG. 7top view shows this physical relationship between the stabilizer bar 262and final drive 216. The vertical, transverse, and longitudinal axes ofthe stabilizer bar 262 and final drive 216 all being positioned relativeto the vehicle 10 as shown in FIG. 2.

The first rear frame members 202L, 202R can be described as beingsandwiched between and directly connected to each of the final drive 216and stabilizer bar 262. Thus, the frame members that support the finaldrive 216 are also directly connected to the stabilizer bar 262, whichallows torque to be transferred from the final drive 216 to thestabilizer bar 262.

Referring to FIG. 4, the vehicle can include a muffler 274 and anexhaust assembly 276. The muffler 274 and the exhaust assembly 276 canbe mounted on the rear frame assembly 36 adjacent to the stabilizer bar262. Referring FIG. 4, and FIGS. 6-8, a heat shield 278 can be mountedon each of the bushings 272. The heat shields 278 are omitted from FIG.9 to more clearly show the bearings 270.

The frame and suspension assembly can further include at least a portionof the main frame assembly 30 and the first rear suspension members228L, 228R configured as described above with respect to the exemplaryembodiment of FIGS. 7-9. The frame and suspension assembly can furtherinclude the rear lower frame member 190 configured as described abovewith respect to the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1-9.

VI. Alternative Embodiments

While certain embodiments of the invention are described above, andFIGS. 1-9 disclose a best mode for practicing the various inventiveaspects, it should be understood that the invention can be embodied andconfigured in many different ways without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention.

For example, embodiments are disclosed above in the context of a vehicle10 shown in FIG. 1. However, embodiments are intended to include orotherwise cover any type of vehicle disclosed above. For example,exemplary embodiments are intended to include or otherwise cover anytype of vehicle that can travel on an improved surface such as but notlimited to a paved road.

Exemplary embodiments are intended to include or otherwise cover anytype of rear frame assembly 36. In other words, exemplary embodimentsare intended to cover any application of rear frame assembly that cansustain load or kinetic energy inputs from a rear suspension and wheelassembly. For example, the first rear frame members 202L, 202R can bemade from a plurality of parts or made as a unitary homogenouscomponent. Further, instead of using tubes, the one or more of the rearframe members can be formed into beam structures in manner that issimilar to the rear connecting frame members 210L, 210R.

Exemplary embodiments are intended to include any appropriate shape foreach of the front or rear frame members, including differentcross-sectional shapes, hollow or solid shapes, etc.

Exemplary embodiments are intended to include or otherwise cover thefirst rear frame members or the third rear frame members connected toany appropriate portion of the main frame assembly.

Exemplary embodiments are intended to include or otherwise cover anytype of rear suspension and wheel assembly. For example, embodiments aredisclosed in the context of a first rear suspension member that has aunique geometry compared to each of the second, third and fourth rearsuspension members, and a fourth suspension member that has a uniquegeometry as compared to each of the second and third suspension members.Exemplary embodiments are intended to include other types of suspensionmembers such as but not limited to an upper suspension member and alower suspension member that are configured as A-arms (also referred toas wishbones). Exemplary embodiments are also intended to include anupper suspension member that has the same geometry compared to the lowersuspension member.

Embodiments are disclosed above in the context of vehicle 10 shown inFIG. 1 having a front frame assembly that includes a front bumperassembly. However, embodiments are intended to include or otherwisecover vehicles that include a rear bumper assembly connected to the rearend of the rear frame assembly.

Although the drawings depict a stabilizer bar 262 located over the finaldrive 216 located in the rear frame of the vehicle 10, the disclosedsubject matter contemplates use of the stabilizer bar 262 located over afinal drive 216 located in the front frame assembly 32 of the vehicle,either in addition to or alternate to the stabilizer bar 262 located inthe rear frame assembly 36 of the vehicle.

While the subject matter has been described in detail with reference toexemplary embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in theart that various changes can be made, and equivalents employed, withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention. All related art referencesdiscussed in the above Description of the Related Art section are herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety.

What is claimed is:
 1. A frame and suspension assembly for a vehiclecomprising: a pair of frame members configured to support a load inputthereto; a final drive structure connected to each of the frame memberssuch that the final drive assembly is configured to input a load to theframe members; a stabilizer bar mounted to each of the frame members andextending in a transverse direction of the vehicle over a top of thefinal drive structure; a main frame assembly defining a passengercompartment and connected to each of the frame members such that theframe members extend from the main frame assembly and toward the finaldrive structure along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle; a lowerframe member spaced away from and below the frame members in a verticaldirection of the vehicle, and connected to each of the final drivestructure and the main frame assembly; and a pair of suspension members,each of the suspension members is pivotally connected to the main frameassembly and connected to the stabilizer bar.
 2. The frame andsuspension assembly according to claim 1, wherein the final drivestructure includes, a housing connected to each of the frame members, aninput structure mounted inside of the housing and configured to bedriven by a power source, and an output structure mounted inside of thehousing and driven by the input structure, and configured to drive apair of wheels of the vehicle.
 3. The frame and suspension assemblyaccording to claim 1, further comprising: a pair of second framemembers, each of the second frame members is connected to a respectiveone of the frame members and extends upwardly away from the respectiveone of the frame members along a vertical direction of the vehicle; anda pair of mounting brackets, each of the mounting brackets is connectedto a respective one of the frame members and a respective one of thesecond frame members, wherein the stabilizer bar is mounted to each ofthe mounting brackets.
 4. The frame and suspension assembly according toclaim 1, wherein each of the frame members includes a first portion anda second portion, the first portion extends along the longitudinaldirection of the vehicle, the second portion extends at an angle fromthe first portion such that the second portion extends along thelongitudinal direction of the vehicle and a vertical direction of thevehicle, and the stabilizer bar is connected to a location on the secondportion of each of the frame members that is spaced away from arespective first portion.
 5. The frame and suspension assembly accordingto claim 4, wherein the first portion of each of the frame membersextends from the second portion of each of the frame members andterminates at a first end, the frame members are spaced apart in thetransverse direction of the vehicle such that the first ends of theframe members are spaced apart by a first distance, the second portionof each of the frame members extends from the first portion of each ofthe frame members along each of longitudinal, vertical and transversedirections of the vehicle and terminates at a second end such that thesecond ends of the frame members are spaced apart in the transversedirection of the vehicle by a second distance that is greater than thefirst distance.
 6. The frame and suspension assembly according to claim1, wherein each of the frame members includes a first portion and asecond portion, the first portion extends along the longitudinaldirection of the vehicle, the second portion extends at an angle fromthe first portion such that the second portion extends along thelongitudinal direction of the vehicle and a vertical direction of thevehicle, the stabilizer bar is connected the second portion of each ofthe frame members, and the final drive structure is connected to thefirst portion of each of the frame members such that the final driveassembly extends below the first portion in a vertical direction of thevehicle.
 7. The frame and suspension assembly according to claim 1,wherein each of the suspension members is connected to the main frameassembly at respective locations that are spaced apart in the transversedirection of the vehicle, each of the suspension members extends in thelongitudinal direction of the vehicle, and each of the suspensionmembers is connected to the stabilizer bar such that pivotal movement ofone of the suspension members that is different from pivotal movement ofa different one of the suspension members applies a torsional input tothe stabilizer bar.
 8. The frame and suspension assembly according toclaim 7, further comprising: a pair of second suspension members, eachof the second suspension members is connected to a respective one of theframe members such that the second suspension members are pivotable withrespect to the frame members, and each of the second suspension membersextends away from the respective one of the frame members in thetransverse direction of the vehicle.
 9. The frame and suspensionassembly according to claim 1, further comprising: a pair of bearings,each of the bearings is mounted to a respective one of the framemembers, and each of the bearings rotatably supports the stabilizer baron each of the frame members.
 10. An all-terrain vehicle comprising: aframe assembly including, a main frame assembly defining a passengercompartment, a front frame assembly connected to a front end of the mainframe assembly, and a rear frame assembly connected to a rear end of themain frame assembly such that the main frame assembly is located betweenthe front frame assembly and the rear frame assembly, the rear frameassembly including, a pair of frame members connected to the main frameassembly such that the frame members are spaced apart from each other ina transverse direction of the vehicle, a final drive assembly mounted onthe rear frame assembly, connected to each of the frame members, andconfigured to be driven by a power source; a stabilizer bar connected toeach of the frame members and extending in the transverse direction ofthe vehicle over a top of the final drive assembly; a pair of stabilizermounting brackets, each of the stabilizer mounting brackets is connectedto a respective one of the frame members; an exhaust gas muffler mountedon the rear frame assembly, and extending adjacent to the stabilizerbar; and a pair of heat shields, each of the heat shields is mountedbetween the exhaust gas muffler and a respective one of the stabilizermounting brackets.
 11. The all-terrain vehicle according to claim 10,wherein the final drive assembly includes, a housing connected to eachof the frame members, an input structure mounted inside of the housingand driven by the power source, and an output structure mounted insideof the housing and driven by the input structure, and a pair ofdriveshafts connected to and driven by the output structure.
 12. Theall-terrain vehicle according to claim 10, wherein the exhaust gasmuffler extends in the transverse direction of the vehicle; and furthercomprising an exhaust pipe assembly connected to the exhaust gas mufflerand crossing above a portion of the stabilizer bar.
 13. The all-terrainvehicle according to claim 10, further comprising: a pair of firstsuspension members, each of the first suspension members is pivotallyconnected to the frame assembly at a respective location such the firstsuspension members are spaced apart from each other in the transversedirection of the vehicle, and each of the first suspension members isconnected to the stabilizer bar, and a pair of rear wheels, each of therear wheels is connected to a respective one of the suspension members.